The UNPACKIN' it Podcast With Bryce Johnson & Trip Smith

As the NFL Draft approaches, GMs are on high alert, scouring scouting reports for "red flags" that could jeopardize a team’s future. But are we applying that same scrutiny to our own lives?In this episode of The UNPACKIN’ it Podcast, Bryce unpacks the high-stakes world of the NFL Draft and explores why identifying warning signs is critical—not just for winning Super Bowls, but for living a life that honors God. We dive into the wisdom of Proverbs 27:12, discussing how to distinguish between a "prudent person" who foresees danger and a "simpleton" who goes blindly toward negative consequences.Whether it's a questionable draft prospect or a personal relationship that has red flags, learn how to test, heed the warnings, and make wise decisions that lead to spiritual fruit.Show NotesThe Cost of Ignoring Warnings: Why overlooking red flags leads to negative consequences in sports and faith.The Faith/Life DiscussionPersonal Red Flags: Are we identifying warning signs in our own choices?Proverbs 27:12 (NLT): "A prudent person foresees danger and takes precautions. The simpleton goes blindly on and suffers the consequences."1 John 4:1 (ESV): "Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God..."Key TakeawaysDon't Go Blindly: Wisdom requires us to take warnings about situations, relationships, and teachings seriously.Honor God First: Our goal is to make decisions that set us up for spiritual faithfulness.

On The UNPACKIN' it Podcast, we unpack the parallels between sports, life, and faith. Join host Bryce Johnson and co-host Trip Smith as they dive into the National Championship game and a powerful lesson on preparation and living with expectancy.In This Episode:Dusty May’s Final Four DecisionWe discuss Michigan’s dominant performance and Dusty May’s unique scouting tactics during the UConn-Illinois game.Expectancy + Preparation: How Dusty May’s confidence in his team led to his "uncommon" preparation, and what that teaches us about our own lives.Other Highlights:A look at UConn’s championship run, Michigan’s first title win since 1989.We explore how living with expectancy in Christ changes the way we approach daily battles and prepare our hearts through prayer and scripture.Key Scripture Referenced:Hebrews 4:16 (AMP): Approaching the throne of grace with confidence.1 Peter 1:13 (AMP): Preparing your minds for action and fixing your hope on grace.Plus, Ernie Johnson won on the podium...and a conversation on Mike vs. Michael.

This week on The UNPACKIN' it Podcast, Bryce Johnson and Trip Smith unpack the emotional rollercoaster of March Madness after Duke’s stunning 19-point lead evaporated into a buzzer-beater loss to UConn. We discuss the reality of being a fan—the sacrifice, the commitment, and the painful moments that put our loyalty to the test.But there’s a deeper parallel. It can be hard being a sports fan, but following Jesus also comes with its own set of challenges, "heartbreaking defeats," and seasons that test our faith. As we enter Easter week, we’re looking at what it truly means to "take up your cross daily" and why the difficult path is always worth it in the end.This Episode's Discussion:Duke vs. UConn: Unpacking the wild sequence that sent the Huskies to the Final Four.Jon Scheyer’s Era: Taking over for a legend, navigating criticism, and building a powerhouse at age 38.How Luke 9:23 and 2 Timothy 3:12 remind us that the Christian life isn't always easy, but is victorious.Finding Peace: Why we can "take heart" even when things don't go our way.Connect with the UNPACKIN' it Ministry:📧 Email Bryce: Bryce@unpackinit.com🌐 Website: unpackinit.com🤝 Support the Ministry: unpackinit.com/donate

March Madness is in full swing, but as we head into the second weekend, we are missing the mid-major Cinderella story. This week, Bryce Johnson and Trip Smith unpack the first two rounds of the tournament, highlighting some of the best games and storylines.In This Episode, We Unpack:The Madness So Far: What made Bryce "shriek."UNC & Duke: What happened to UNC, and what is next for them? What team should Duke be worried about?The Missing Cinderella: For the second straight year, the Sweet 16 consists entirely of major conference schools. We discuss how the tournament is better when smaller schools make deep runs.The "Old" Guard: A quick look at the veteran coaches leading the way this year, proving that legends like Rick Pitino, Tom Izzo, and John Calipari are still finding ways to win in the new era of college basketball.Faith Parallel – Don’t Miss Out: Just as fans feel something is missing without a Cinderella story, we often miss out on the full, "fruitful" life God intended for us. We dive into John 15 and Galatians 5 to discuss how staying connected to the Vine ensures that we don't miss the blessings of a faith-filled life.Featured Scripture:John 15:5 (NLT): "Yes, I am the vine; you are the branches. Those who remain in Me, and I in them, will produce much fruit. For apart from Me, you can do nothing."Galatians 5: The Fruit of the Spirit.James 1:5: Asking for Wisdom.

On this episode of the UNPACKIN' it Podcast, Bryce Johnson and Trip Smith dive into the heart of what it means to live with integrity when "Nobody's Watching."Join The UNPACKIN' it Bracket Challenge fundraiser: unpackinit.com/marchUsing the backdrop of exciting games in front of small crowds during college basketball conference tournaments—where teams play with maximum effort with no one watching—we explore the parallels in our own lives and faith. Do we only perform when the lights are bright and the crowds are big, or are we committed to excellence and doing the right thing no matter what?In this episode, we unpack:Sports & Faith: How the approach of athletes in empty gyms mirrors our walk with Jesus.Integrity: Defining what it looks like to live for Jesus and work hard even when nobody is watching (Colossians 3:23).Current Sports Topics: Insights into NFL Free Agency, the NCAA Tournament, and Conference Tournaments.Whether you're preparing for the "Big Dance" or working hard in a season of obscurity, this conversation will challenge you to give your best for the Lord, regardless of who is watching.

The NFL offseason is heating up with quarterback rumors, free agency speculation, trade predictions, and bold roster changes heading into the 2026 season. Just like NFL teams searching for the right quarterback, we all have to ask:What am I looking for? What do I truly need?In this episode we ask:👉 What quarterback in the right situation could THRIVE?👉 What NFL team is just one QB away from getting over the hump?We break down potential NFL quarterback trades, free-agent fits, and bold offseason predictions — plus a powerful faith devotional on fresh starts, renewed commitment, and hope. We discuss how Jesus Christ is the answer.🏈 NFL QB Trade & Free Agency Predictions and Best Case ScenariosCould we see:• Justin Fields to the Ravens?• Kirk Cousins back to the Vikings?• Sam Howell to the Panthers or Patriots?• Anthony Richardson to the Bills or Rams?• Tua Tagovailoa to the Eagles?• Derek Carr to the Jets?• Kyler Murray to the Falcons?Which teams will make bold moves?Which franchises will settle?Who gives their fanbase real hope for the future?Teams in TransitionWe examine quarterback uncertainty surrounding:Arizona CardinalsAtlanta FalconsNew York JetsIndianapolis ColtsPittsburgh SteelersKansas City ChiefsLas Vegas RaidersCleveland BrownsFaith & Life Devotional: What Are You Looking For?Are you in need of:A fresh start?A renewed commitment?Freedom from your past?Strength during injury or hardship?Hope after seasons of disappointment?We unpack powerful Scripture, including:2 Corinthians 5:17Ephesians 4:22-24Hebrews 12:2Psalm 51:10Hebrews 10:23

On this week's UNPACKIN' it podcast, Bryce Johnson and Trip Smith unpack if sports fans will follow hockey after Team USA won gold…and how this translates to following Jesus. The guys discuss whether the sports fans who rooted so hard for Team USA in this gold medal game will begin following hockey, specifically the NHL, moving forward. They also share their thoughts on the times we experience a “spiritual high” after an inspiring sermon, a powerful retreat, or an encouraging lunch with a friend...and ask if we will actually serve and follow Jesus after getting fired up in these memorable moments. Subscribe to the podcast and to the YouTube channel HERE.Support the ministry HERE.Our Social Media:Instagram: / unpackinit  Facebook: / unpackinit  X/Twitter: / unpackinit  Tiktok: / unpackinit 

On this week's show, Bryce Johnson and Trip Smith unpack the current state of the NBA and one of the big stories from the Olympics. We also discuss our response when Olympians lose…and how we can be encouraged to embrace empathy, sympathy, and care for those around us. What happens when we actually try to understand what someone else is going through? What does it look like to enter into someone else's pain?Topics Include:Should the NBA get rid of the NBA Draft?Has the NBA All-Star weekend been fixed?Have you been watching the Olympics?Subscribe to the podcast and to the YouTube channel!https://linktr.ee/unpackinitSupport the ministry: https://www.unpackinit.com/donateOur Social Media:Instagram: / unpackinit  Facebook: / unpackinit  X/Twitter: / unpackinit  Tiktok: / unpackinit